Rapporteur praises work of Romania’s anti-corruption directorate

27/05/2016

Legal Affairs and Human Rights

Bernd Fabritius (Germany, EPP/CD), PACE rapporteur on “Strengthening the rule of law in South-East European countries through targeted reform of the legal system”, has praised the work of Romania’s National Anti-corruption Directorate (DNA) and stressed the need for all the relevant authorities to support its activities.

Speaking at the end of a fact-finding visit to Bucharest and Chisinau (24-26 May 2016), Mr Fabritius said, speaking of the situation in Romania: “The government issues too many emergency ordinances, preventing parliament from exercising its legislative role, and avoids taking the necessary administrative measures to implement legislation. This creates confusion as to the separation of powers.”

With respect to Moldova, the rapporteur expressed serious concern over issues of corruption, as well as the lack of judicial independence and the effective separation of powers. He stressed the need to finalise the reform package to ensure the integrity of judges. “I am worried about the inappropriate influence on State institutions by external actors, especially from the business sector,” said Mr Fabritius. “I also call on the authorities to reconsider the draft legislation on surveillance measures in electronic communication so that they comply with the Council of Europe standards.”

In Bucharest, Mr Fabritius met the Minister of Justice, the President of the Court of Law, the President of the Constitutional Court, the Chief Prosecutor of the National Anti-corruption Directorate (DNA), the Presidential advisor on institutional and constitutional reforms, the Romanian delegation to PACE and representatives of NGOs.

In Chisinau, he met the Prime Minister, the former Prime Minister Iurie Leanca, the Minister of Justice, Judge Aurel Baiesu from the Constitutional Court, the Chairwoman of the Standing Committee on Legal Affairs, Appointments and Immunities, the Moldovan delegation to PACE and representatives of NGOs.